Endocrine Court Web Quest


Mr. Thomas' "Save the Testes" presentation:


Introduction:

A body is about to be downsized, and the endocrine glands have been targeted for a workforce reduction. In this web quest, you and the members of your group will research the endocrine glands. The purpose of your research will be to defend the gland that your group is assigned in a class court. Ultimately you will be responsible for writing an individual position paper in which you vote on the one gland that you feel can be removed, while explaining why the other glands should stay. Therefore, it will be imperative that you pay attention during all of the presentation.


Task:

You and your group will be responsible for putting together a defensive presentation of an endocrine gland. You and your group will be giving this presentation during class. Your presentation must include:
· A picture(s) of the gland showing its shape and location in the human body.
· The hormone(s) produced by your endocrine gland.
· The stimulus that tells your gland to produce hormones.
· The control mechanism that tells your gland to stop producing hormones.
· The function(s) of the hormone(s) produced by your gland. What are the target organs/cells and how does the message carried by the hormone help maintain homeostasis. This is probably the most important part of your presentation.

In addition to the presentation, your group should also have the following:
· A knowledge of the diseases associated with your gland. Do not include this in your presentation. The purpose of gathering this information is to ensure that you can respond to cross examination questions.
· Cross-examination questions. One person in your group should gather the “dirt” on other glands. Your group will be given one bonus point for each time you “stump” the other groups, and provide information that suggests that another gland should be removed.
· A bibliography with at least five different references.

As each group gives their presentation label the diagram below. You should include this diagram in your presentation.

external image endocr_map.gif

http://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/dept/Arts-Sciences/bio/anatpic/endocr_map.gif


6 = Thymus gland. Not a gland we will be studying.

Roles:

  • Gland research and presentation development (2-3 people)
  • “Dirt collector” (1-2 people)